An exciting programme of events for 2014 has been announced by West Dean.

“For everyone who enjoys outdoor events, trying new things, learning new skills and meeting new people, there is something to tempt the beginner and the more experienced,” said a West Dean spokeswoman.

“You can learn exciting new skills on a short course, dance to Latin music at the biggest Chilli Fiesta in the UK, enjoy an outdoor theatre performance, taste new foods and pick up expert gardening tips at Grow! Cook! Eat! and much more to ensure you have a wonderful year, whatever your interests.”

With beautiful gardens, a house packed to the rafters with surrealist art and a successful college, West Dean is not your average country estate.

Edward James inherited the estate in 1912, aged just four years.

A lifelong supporter of the arts, Edward was a close friend of Salvador Dali. The pair worked together on the iconic Mae West lips sofa, which can be viewed at the house on open days.

In 1964, he conveyed the house and 6,000-acre estate to his charitable trust – the Edward James Foundation and, in 1971, West Dean College was opened.

Today, students and teachers and all involved with the estate are still as passionate about traditional workmanship and the arts as Edward was.

Here is a quick month-by-month glance at some of the highlights of this year’s programme:

March

Sunday, March 30, Mothering Sunday Gardens Open Day, 10.30am-5pm – half-price entry, £4 for adults, including a free bunch of daffodils for mothers, children go free.

First two weeks of July, the Pergola Open Air Theatre’s, by New Theatre Productions, 35th amateur season. Summer Day’s Dream, JB Priestley’s romantic fantasy on the Sussex Downs, directed by John Hyatt, June 28 and 30, and July 2, 4, 8, 10 July. The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s hilarious tale of double identities, directed by Richard Kinder, July 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. Tickets, priced £10, available at the gate on the night or from Festival of Chichester box office. All performances start at 7.45pm. Entrance through the college gates. Picnics welcome.

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